American Indian Education – Cultural Family Advocate

Location: District Wide Description: 8 hours/day, 185 days (10-month calendar)

Effective Date of Employment:
ASAP
 
Application Deadlines:
September 17, 2024 – 4:00 p.m.

Application Procedure:
All Candidates:  Apply online at www.district196.org as an External Applicant

Position Summary:
Work with eligible American Indian Education students and families, to increase and support positive experiences, educational outcomes and cultural learning opportunities. Advise school staff in understanding the culture and perspectives of Indigenous families and act as a liaison between the school district and families in facilitating an understanding of school values and expectations.
 
Qualifications:

1. Minimum of two years post-secondary education in related field; B.A. preferred in education, behavioral sciences, social work, American Indian Studies or related field.
2. Prior experience working with Native American students and their families in an educational setting.
3. Experience working in K-12 school system.
4. Experience working effectively with and understanding the needs of Native American populations.
5. Excellent oral and written communications skills, including cross cultural communication.
6. Experience developing and presenting professional workshops, especially with regards to Indigenous pedagogy and the Minnesota state standards.
7. Experience developing and leading culturally relevant activities such as Dakota & Ojibwe language classes, drum & dance classes and other cultural learning opportunities especially with regard to the L/N/Dakota and Anishinaabe peoples and culture.
8. Available for flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and summer hours.
9. Must have reliable transportation to travel between sites as necessary.
10. Strong interpersonal skills.

 
Job Summary:

1. Knowledge and skills in advising American Indian Education students.
2. Assist in implementation of programs and activities to enhance school engagement, academic achievement and career & college readiness. Activities include student advising, student leadership groups and in school cultural and language learning opportunities.
3. Provide in-school support and advocacy to assist students with cultural adjustment and social emotional development.
4. Help provide lay counseling in a variety of situations and conflicts that may arise due to cultural differences, and refer to professional staff when appropriate.
5. Act as a communication liaison between parents and schools through the use of email, phone calls, and home visits. Facilitate family participation in conferences and other school & district activities.
6. Work professionally and cooperatively with school staff to support student’s full development in the school system and consult with parents, teachers, and administrators to develop intervention strategies to enhance school success.
7. Provide teachers and staff with culturally relevant curriculum & community resources including information on the various Indigenous nations represented in their schools.
8. Inform and educate district staff on issues around cultural competency, equity and inclusion.
9. Represent the district in community organizations and functions. Keep district informed of community concerns.
10. Attend and participate in the Native American Parent Advisory Committee meetings once a month during the school year and bi-annual Tribal Consultation meetings with the Tribal Nations Education Committee.
11. Attendance and participation at American Indian Education events and staff development and/or trainings.
12. Other duties as assigned.

 
Responsible To:
 American Indian Education Program Coordinator
 
Compensation:
According to contractual agreement.

Our team of dedicated educators is committed to the mission of Educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. Our core values are student-centered, based in empathy and integrity to support the wellbeing of the whole person, and learning with high expectations for all. Our culture of collaboration fosters an environment of inclusivity, engagement and belonging for all students, and inspires a love of learning for all ages. Our vision is to provide the experiences that our students, families and employees desire by developing the whole student and honoring diverse needs and cultures; engaging students with opportunities in academics, arts and athletics (Triple A philosophy), and living our mission to prepare students for lifelong success.
 
District 196 is a Minnesota public school district of choice, serving more than 29,000 students and 160,000 residents in the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Empire, Inver Grove Heights and Lakeville, and Vermillion Township. District 196 is the third largest school district in Minnesota and among the largest employers in Dakota County, with more than 4,000 full- and part-time employees. District 196 has been named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best-in-State Employers multiple times based on a survey asking employees to rate their employers and how likely they would be to recommend them to others.
 
District 196 has 19 elementary schools (grades K-5); six middle schools (grades 6-8); four high schools (grades 9-12); an optional School of Environmental Studies for juniors and seniors; an Area Learning Center high school program; a K-12 special education school, and a special education program serving young adults ages 18-2.2 The district also operates three learning centers that provide early childhood and Adult Basic Education services, and offers extensive community education programs and classes for learners of all ages.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
As required by Title IX and other state and federal nondiscrimination laws, District 196 does not  discriminate in employment or in any of its education programs and activities, including vocational  opportunities, on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial  status,* disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity,  membership or activity in a local human rights commission,* age or genetic information.* District 196  provides equal access to designated youth groups.
 
The Director of Human Resources, Shelly Monson (651-423-7859 –shelly.monson@district196.org) is the  designated Title IX Coordinator and has also been designated to respond to employment-related  inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. The Director of Elementary Education,  Jeremy Sorenson (651-423-7782 – jeremy.sorenson@district196.org) and the Director of Secondary  Education, Eric Hansen (651-423-7712 – eric.hansen@district196.org) have been designated to respond  to student-related inquiries regarding the district’s non-discrimination policies. The Director of Special  Education, Janet Fimmen (651-423-7629 – janet.fimmen@district196.org) has been designated to  respond to inquiries concerning the rights of a student with a disability. The mailing address for all  directors is 3455 153rd Street W, Rosemount, MN 55068. Title IX inquiries may also be referred to the  Assistant Secretary of the US Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
 
*Asterisked categories are limited to employment-related discrimination and harassment.